Trapattoni striking the right balance

World Cup qualifiers:Giovanni Trapattoni reflected on an Italian job well done this morning in the wake of the battling draw in Bari. The former Italy manager was pleased to have earned the point that keeps the Republic of Ireland's qualification prospects intact.

Without the wealth of raw materials available to Italy, Ireland were well worth a draw last night and could even have snatched all three points in a frantic finale.

And although Trapattoni knows the limits of his team, but he also knows its strengths, and making the most of them is what will determine whether they can make it to South Africa.

He said: “I always said to my players since the start that we need to keep up good spirits. It’s a combination of personality, balance and luck.”

Trapattoni, who is fondly remembered in his home country for his glittering career in club management, principally with Juventus, rather than his time in charge of the national team, was welcomed warmly to the San Nicola Stadium.

By contrast, Italian manager Marcello Lippi was jeered on to the pitch by fans who cannot understand his reluctance to select local hero Antonio Cassano, and booed off after his 10 men emerged from the clash with only a point to show for their efforts.

The Ireland manager, who seemed mildly embarrassed by the spontaneous applause which greeted his arrival at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday evening, was grateful for his reception by a wider audience.

However, he was still able to spare a thought for his opposite number.

Trapattoni added: “I feel affection everywhere I go. I’m not necessarily proud of it. But Lippi did not deserve to be booed. He is building a new Italian team and deserves great credit.”